Thermal breakage of window glass in room fires conditions - Analysis of some important parameters

In a compartment fire, the breakage and possible fallout of a window glass has a significant impact on the fire dynamics. The thermal breakage of glass depends on various parameters such as glass type, edge shading, edges conditions and constraints on the glass. The purpose of the present study is to investigate some of the key parameters affecting the thermal breakage of window glass in fire conditions using a recently developed and validated computer tool. Fallout is not within the scope of this study. Different boundary conditions of the glass pane (unconstrained and constrained) subjected to fire radiant heat are investigated. The analysis shows that to prevent glass thermal breakage, it is important to provide enough spacing between the frame and glass pane to accommodate the thermal expansion, and constraints on the glass structure should be avoided. The zones where the glass is likely to crack first are shown. The study also quantifies the effects of glass edge conditions on its thermal breakage in fire conditions; such analysis has not been reported in the literature due to its complexity and the statistical nature of edge flaws. The results show that an ordinary float glass mostly used in windows, with the “as-cut” edge condition would break later and is stronger than a ground edge or polished edge glass for the scenarios investigated. The study demonstrates how a predictive tool could be employed for a better understanding of thermal breakage of window glass in fires and for design guidance

Thermal breakage of window glass in room fires conditions - Analysis of some important parameters

In a compartment fire, the breakage and possible fallout of a window glass has a significant impact on the fire dynamics. The thermal breakage of glass depends on various parameters such as glass type, edge shading, edges conditions and constraints on the glass. The purpose of the present study is to investigate some of the key parameters affecting the thermal breakage of window glass in fire conditions using a recently developed and validated computer tool. Fallout is not within the scope of this study. Different boundary conditions of the glass pane (unconstrained and constrained) subjected to fire radiant heat are investigated. The analysis shows that to prevent glass thermal breakage, it is important to provide enough spacing between the frame and glass pane to accommodate the thermal expansion, and constraints on the glass structure should be avoided. The zones where the glass is likely to crack first are shown. The study also quantifies the effects of glass edge conditions on its thermal breakage in fire conditions; such analysis has not been reported in the literature due to its complexity and the statistical nature of edge flaws. The results show that an ordinary float glass mostly used in windows, with the “as-cut” edge condition would break later and is stronger than a ground edge or polished edge glass for the scenarios investigated. The study demonstrates how a predictive tool could be employed for a better understanding of thermal breakage of window glass in fires and for design guidance

Measuring goal realization associated with disability services and supports : Initial evidence for a new tool

There are few outcome measurement tools that can be accessed directly by people with intellectual disability (ID) and that can be readily used in service delivery settings. Developed to address these limitations, the Measuring Outcomes in Services and Supports – Short Form is a measure of the extent to which a person's goals are realized in the context of service and supports delivery. Specific aim is to establish initial evidence for the face and content validity of the tool, an essential step in the first stage of developing evaluation tools. Face validity was explored via an on-line survey eliciting information from an “expert group” about the purpose, adequacy, clarity, and attractiveness of the tool. Content validity was examined by comparing goals for people with disability against a framework for categorizing personal outcomes and their influencers, to gauge the tool's relevance, and representation for measuring whole of life disability outcomes. Participants gave positive support overall for aspects of face validity surveyed. Suggestions for further improvements were provided, most of which were accommodated. Other issues raised reflected themes general to the field of outcomes measurement in disability populations (e.g., complexity for people with ID), with strategies suggested for attenuating their impact. Participant goals were representative of outcome domains reflecting the current policy environment in disability, as were their influencing factors. With limited tools to measure goal realization for people accessing a range of disability supports, the tool has acceptable face validity and content validity and is sufficiently practical for use in disability services